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Questions and Answers
What is deductive reasoning?
What is deductive reasoning?
Deductive reasoning involves taking a set of premises or assumptions, and then following a set of logical steps to reach a specific conclusion.
Explain the concept of inductive reasoning.
Explain the concept of inductive reasoning.
Induction is a type of logical reasoning that starts with specific observations and uses them to draw general conclusions.
What is the purpose of the Indicator Word Test in logical reasoning?
What is the purpose of the Indicator Word Test in logical reasoning?
Deductive validity ensures that if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true.
Deductive validity ensures that if the premises are true, the conclusion must also be true.
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In ______ reasoning, a general conclusion is drawn based on specific instances.
In ______ reasoning, a general conclusion is drawn based on specific instances.
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What are the three aspects of language that the Philosophy of Language discusses?
What are the three aspects of language that the Philosophy of Language discusses?
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Which of the following is an example of ambiguity in language?
Which of the following is an example of ambiguity in language?
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Match the following strategies with their definitions:
Match the following strategies with their definitions:
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What are the three types of vagueness mentioned in the 'Philosophy of Language' section?
What are the three types of vagueness mentioned in the 'Philosophy of Language' section?
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Which of the following is NOT a strategy for defining terms in 'Philosophy of Language'?
Which of the following is NOT a strategy for defining terms in 'Philosophy of Language'?
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Match the following types of definitions with their descriptions:
Match the following types of definitions with their descriptions:
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Study Notes
Critical Thinking (LBT30603)
Course Outline
- Introduction to Critical Thinking
- Recognising Arguments
- Basic Logical Thinking
- Philosophy of Language
- Logical Fallacies I and II
- Analysing Arguments and Assignment 1
- Evaluating Arguments and Truth Claims
- Categorical Logic
- Propositional Logic
- Inductive Reasoning
- Finding, Evaluating, and Using Sources and Assignment 2
- Presentation and Review
- Project and Final Exam
Assignment and Assessment
- Assignment 1: Debate (20%)
- Assignment 2: Article (20%)
- Review (30%)
- Project: Individual (30%)
- Final Exam (30%)
Learning Outcomes
- Classify elements of language in texts that shape thought
- Distinguish common fallacies in reasoning
- Develop arguments and counterarguments
- Analyse the logical structures of arguments
Basic Logical Concepts
Deduction and Induction
- Deduction: starts with general premises or principles and applies them to specific cases to draw a conclusion
- Induction: starts with specific observations and uses them to draw general conclusions
Evaluating Reasoning Processes and Arguments
- The Indicator Word Test: examines indicator words to determine the logical structure of an argument
- The Strict Necessity Test: evaluates the absolute necessity for an outcome
- The Common Pattern Test: identifies recurring patterns or themes in an argument
- The Principle of Charity: assumes rationality and good intentions in interpretation
Common Patterns of Deductive Reasoning
- Hypothetical Syllogism: involves conditional statements and their implications
- Categorical Syllogism: consists of three categorical propositions with quantifiers
- Argument by Elimination: involves systematically ruling out possibilities until only one remains
- Argument Based on Mathematics: relies on mathematical principles and logic
- Argument from Definition: appeals to the meaning or definition of a term
Common Patterns of Inductive Reasoning
- Inductive Generalisation: draws a general conclusion based on specific instances
- Predictive Argument: uses available evidence to make predictions about future events
- Argument from Authority: relies on the expertise of a credible source to support a claim
- Causal Argument: asserts a cause-and-effect relationship between variables
- Statistical Argument: uses statistical data or probabilities to support a claim
- Argument from Analogy: draws parallels between two situations to support a conclusion
Deductive Validity
- A deductively valid argument is one where the conclusion necessarily follows from the premises
- A deductively valid argument does not guarantee the truth of the conclusion, but rather the conclusion follows logically from the premises
Inductive Strength
- Inductive strength is determined by evaluating the strength of the evidence provided in support of the conclusion
- The more relevant and reliable the evidence, the stronger the argument
- The degree of generalization involved in an inductive argument can also affect its strength
Critical Thinking (LBT30603)
Introduction
- Critical thinking involves evaluating arguments and truth claims
Philosophy of Language
The Need for Precision
- Vagueness: statements that lack clear meaning (e.g., "the shop is down the street")
- Overgenerality: statements that make broad generalizations (e.g., "all dogs are friendly")
- Ambiguity: statements with unclear meaning (e.g., "she saw the man with the binoculars")
Precise Definitions
- Stipulative definitions: assign a specific meaning to a term for a particular discussion or context
- Persuasive definitions: formulated to evoke a particular response or attitude towards the thing being defined
- Lexical definitions: rely on the dictionary or common usage of a word to define it
- Precising definitions: narrow down the meaning of a term, particularly when it's vague or ambiguous
Strategies for Defining
- Ostensive definition: involves pointing to or indicating something as a means of defining a term
- Enumerative definition: lists all individual members or instances that fall under the defined term
- Defining by subclass: breaks down a term into its constituent subclasses or categories
- Synonymous definition: equates the term being defined with another term that has the same or very similar meaning
- Genus and difference definition: identifies the broader category (genus) and specific characteristics (difference) of the term being defined
Good Lexical Definitions
- A precise definition is an essential tool for effective communication
- Good definitions should be clear, concise, and unambiguous
Assessment Criteria
- Assignment 1 Debate: 20 marks
- Assignment 2 Article: 20 marks
- Review: 30 marks
- Project Individual: 30 marks
- Final Exam: 30 marks
Critical Thinking (LBT30603)
Introduction
- Critical thinking involves evaluating arguments and truth claims
Philosophy of Language
The Need for Precision
- Vagueness: statements that lack clear meaning (e.g., "the shop is down the street")
- Overgenerality: statements that make broad generalizations (e.g., "all dogs are friendly")
- Ambiguity: statements with unclear meaning (e.g., "she saw the man with the binoculars")
Precise Definitions
- Stipulative definitions: assign a specific meaning to a term for a particular discussion or context
- Persuasive definitions: formulated to evoke a particular response or attitude towards the thing being defined
- Lexical definitions: rely on the dictionary or common usage of a word to define it
- Precising definitions: narrow down the meaning of a term, particularly when it's vague or ambiguous
Strategies for Defining
- Ostensive definition: involves pointing to or indicating something as a means of defining a term
- Enumerative definition: lists all individual members or instances that fall under the defined term
- Defining by subclass: breaks down a term into its constituent subclasses or categories
- Synonymous definition: equates the term being defined with another term that has the same or very similar meaning
- Genus and difference definition: identifies the broader category (genus) and specific characteristics (difference) of the term being defined
Good Lexical Definitions
- A precise definition is an essential tool for effective communication
- Good definitions should be clear, concise, and unambiguous
Assessment Criteria
- Assignment 1 Debate: 20 marks
- Assignment 2 Article: 20 marks
- Review: 30 marks
- Project Individual: 30 marks
- Final Exam: 30 marks
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Description
Test your critical thinking skills with this quiz covering topics such as recognising arguments, logical thinking, and evaluating truth claims.
